Speedhockey

[ggriffaw]

I guess Speedhockey is dead. The website is no longer up.

[5_hole_master]

wow that lasted a while... that was doomed from the start, their expectations were way too high for a "new" sport... can't start that high....

[RichardGraham]

Hi Gary,

Good catch. I hadn't realized that. I was told in late April that SpeedHockey had a television deal, and then heard absolutely nothing. Another one bites the dust?

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[MDE3]

I think that the overall impression of inline hockey is that it is "too slow" for television, based on previous experience..ie RHI, "Pro Beach" etc. Hence the direction promoted by "speed" hockey.

I think the feeling is that the sport suffers when compared to the speed of ice hockey, at least in the eyes of the television moguls who determine the "viewability" of any particular venue. Of course the NHL itself is going through significant trauma where TV coverage is concerned..making coverage for any other version of the game even more suspect.

Partially to blame is the(notably successfull) style of inline hockey developed at the Pro and Platinum Narch levels by several inline "Dynasties" notably the Mudcats, and many of the Snipers teams over the years..Lindenwood etc. etc. Cycle the puck in your own zone, continuously regrouping behind the net, to look for that perfect high speed, quick strike breakout. Although to those of us who admire the game and see this type of execution done well, we enjoy watching it....however that assumes a knowledge of the game, as well as an existing love thereof.

Add to this the wheel technology at the time of the last TV coverage, ...meaning the amount of slippage, and invariably you have a slower game than ice....more distance required to stop, slower acceleration, wider turns. All of these elements relating to "grip".

With the latest wheel and chassis technology available, this has changed somewhat. Players are virtualy able to transition almost as abruptly as ice. This will automaticaly make for a faster game as more and more players become familiar with the newer technology, a game which will offer both the speed of ice, and the more offensively oriented rules of inline.

I firmly believe that the traditional puck control/fast breakout syetem described above, which tends to slow down the game, was developed primarily because someone recognized how difficult it was for an offensive team on a rush after breakout, to reverse direction and go back on defense. Hence the carefull puck control in one's own zone, to insure that the "perfect" situation was set up before commiting to the rush.

Even the patterns run for these breakouts have "regroup" in mind, with forwards cycling on "diagonals" rather than straight "north south" type rushes, giving them a better chance to return fast on defense should the "strike" be broken up and require transition to defense.

Now with the better grip from new wheel and and chassis technology resulting in the ability to stop on a "dime" or make cuts almost as sharp as ice....the game itself may be able to evolve into a more exciting format...in it's "traditional" form...(with full contact of course).

Just some thoughts....

[RichardGraham]

Hi Gary,

I should have waited longer for Bob Elder's reply to my questions. Bob, the commissioner of the league, says that SpeedHockey International is very much alive, and that there will be some major announcements coming this week.

[born2runPROgm]

so is speedhockey done for good or not? the website was removed.

The Gambler

[MDE3]

I heard there is to be an announcement this week...and that it is indeed sound and going forward...new website apparently.

[born2runPROgm]

thank god. maybe still hope on the horizon.

The Gambler

[MBurke]

hmmm...

http://www.speedhockey.com

Mike Burke
Commissioner
Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association
http://www.ecrha.net<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by MikeBurke on 07/02/04 02:39 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

[Superstar9]

Interesting, looks like they're actually gonna go somewhere with this one, I'm sure glad to see it. Does anyone know what their plans are as far as where they are going to have the pro teams, when they plan on starting, and what the cost of converting a rink is looking like?

Chris Street

[ggriffaw]

I noticed they don't have International in the name anymore and there isn't any mention of franchises. The site mentions a round robin tournament. I wonder if it will be kind of like Pro Beach Hockey where the games are all played in one location over a short time frame and televised over an extended period.

[MDE3]

The rink is Charlie Yoder's rink in Harrisburg...&quot;Doc's&quot; a converted disco rink.....

[cyclonewinger]

Smoke and Mirror's if you ask me. Nothing new to the site except that it's redone to look different. No Teams or Cities are mentioned.

The PIHA has not even announced a their Pro Champion?

Hocus Pocus. Smoke and Mirrors.


Steve L.

[ScrappersSponser]

PIHA champions were the Typhoon....The completed the 3-peat for winning the league the first 3 years.

Jeff Haze
Atlantic Real Estate Scrappers Sponsor

[cyclonewinger]

I know who won, but the League Website has not been updated in sometime. I know and have viewed several post in the past, but shouldn't a League who is suppose to be "Pro" update the website? Websites are 24/7 Advertisment and having updated information is a good sign that a League is well organized.

Which brings me back to Speed Hockey. Is it all Smoke and Mirrors or is a New League with Solid Team Ownerships and League Organizers that are commited to bring Inline Hockey fans a good product. We are always made fun of in the Ice Hockey Community, becasue to them we are considered to be at times the "JACK ASS" of Hockey.